Anastasia “Anastasia?” Frederick’s voice sounded distant, almost as if echoing from a faraway place. When he pulled back to look at me, he seemed to blur, and I saw two of him. His hands shook my head gently, but it felt like everything was moving in slow motion. “Anastasia!” I felt my back hit the dirt floor, and I blinked, disoriented. Suddenly, I was staring up at the lanterns hanging from the center of the tent. Frederick knelt beside me, his face hovering close as he held my face, trying to get my attention. His mouth was moving, but his words were lost in the cavernous echo around me. “Jordan!”“I’m here!” Jordan’s voice cut through the haze, joining the distant noise. Frederick’s grip on my hand was unyielding, like iron. I groaned as I felt the sweatshirt being torn off me, followed by the t-shirt. I reached down to where the burning pain was, but Frederick quickly pulled my hand away. I fought to stay conscious, blinking with all my remaining strength. I looked at my hand,
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